Copper ion question

[okeydokey]

When I started to treat Whitespot on days 1,2 and 3, the copper ions soon precipitate.
What causes precipitation? Algae, bacteria or rock...

Another question

Does the fish increase the production of copper-binding proteins, such as metallothioneins to protect their bodies against toxicity?
If it is true, can I use copper-cysteine instead of copper acetate or copper citrate?
(I think cysteine contains SH group, maybe reduce the toxicity of copper ions)

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Copper ion binds relatively quickly to calcium carbonate surfaces, so sand and rock may be the biggest way it is removed if those are present.

Algae and bacteria can take up some copper, but generally a lot more slowly than sand and rock.